Comichaus Spotlight: An interview with Brethren Born creator Jon Laight

Here’s the first in a series of interviews with creators whose work features on the digital comics marketplace Comichaus, in association with the platform.

Midlands- based Jon Laight is a comic writer whose first comic, Brethren Born, was released in October 2015. He also has several stories being published in anthologies, including a mini-series run in the ComichausAnthology monthly comic.

Art in progress for Away, one of Jon Laight’s strips, illustrated by Grant Richards with colours by Darren Stephens

What are some of the comics that inspired you to start creating your own? Any creators in particular?

Jon Laight: The classic British comics of the 1980s got me reading and writing, and then it wasn’t until the ‘90s that I first really noticed the big two. From a creating point of view, I was reading Brain K Vaughan and Bendis that really revved me up to get up off my arse and do something I’d wanted to do for years. If I could write anything half as good as those two, I’d be a very happy dude.

What do you think people see in your character(s), or the books in general, that has really drawn them in and kept them coming back for more?

Jon: I’d hope to make people want my characters to achieve whatever goal they’re after, and feel for them when they don’t. Story is key though and if I can get a few people interested in what happens next in my comics, I’m happier than a happy thing.

How much of your own personality goes into your character(s)?

Jon: In my latest story, “Away”, quite a lot I think. Jason West (our hero) has a young family and is willing to do anything to protect them. Pretty much what any father would do I’m sure, but Jason soon gets to be way more intelligent than I’ll ever be.

Where did you draw your inspiration from?

Jon: Real world events are always inspirational, whether in a positive or negative way. Seeing genuine acts of heroism, compassion and the human spirit overcoming adversity in whatever form can only inspire storytelling. Also, any animal playing a banjo is ace!!

What do fans need to know going into their first issue of your comic?

Jon: Brethren Born is a sci-fi super powered adventure following a man hellbent on revenge on those who killed everyone he knew.

Late Knights is a fun all ages super spy comic following the Late family saving the world against super villains and one or two school bullies.

Away is the story of an ordinary man ripped from his family has to learn the skills he needs to save his world from an impending alien invasion.

What have you go coming up in the future? Are you working on more issues?

Jon: Away is a beautiful book with art by Grant Richards, with colours by Darren Stephens and letters by Rob Jones. I’ve also got a new story coming up in the Comichaus Anthology which is looking very cool with art by Rory Donald and letters by Ken Reynolds.

Late Knights #2 is due in time for Thought Bubble in September and is with US artist Matt Strott and Ken Reynolds on letters again on that one.

There’s lots going on in the normal world, so not much else part from a couple of anthology stories and maybe a comic pitch for an idea I’ve had for a cool female lead in a book with a very good artist, but I can’t say much about that one yet!

This interview first appeared on the Comichaus blog and is reprinted here with full permission.

Comichaus launched in early 2015 to fulfil a need for a new platform to buy and sell comic books, whilst also building up a database for reference purposes. Comic creators can upload their own comics for sale online and through the Comichaus app. For more information visit www.comichaus.com

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John Freeman

The founder of downthetubes, John describes himself as is a "freelance comics operative", working as an editor, as Creative Consultant on the Dan Dare audio adventures for B7 Media, and on promotional work for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival.
John has worked in British comics publishing for over 30 years. His credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine at Marvel UK and Star Trek Magazine and Babylon 5 Magazine at Titan Magazines. He also edited STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics, including Team M.O.B.I.L.E. and The Beatles Story. He has also edited several comic collections, including volumes of “Charley’s War and “Dan Dare” for Tian Books.
He’s the writer of “Crucible”, a creator-owned project with 2000AD artist Smuzz, published on Tapastic; and “Death Duty” and “Skow Dogs” with Dave Hailwood for digital comic 100% Biodegradable.
View all posts by John Freeman